Last-minute med check -- Week 7

Willie Parker RB PIT: Parker had a setback as he prepped to come back from a knee sprain. It's unclear whether it's a re-injury or just a setback, so for this week, you'll want to look elsewhere. This is the definition of week-to-week.

Tony Romo QB DAL: The Cowboys made the call on Romo late Saturday. He will not start the game, but is active as the backup to Brad Johnson. There's no clear indication on what it would take to get him into the game - an injury to Johnson or just poor play - but sources tell me that Romo is frustrated with the decision.

Joseph Addai RB IND: Addai was ruled out on Saturday after not being able to participate at all during Friday, following Tony Dungy's longstanding rule. Addai's late status change does give some indication that his return might be on the low side of the 2-4 week estimates.

Carson Palmer QB CIN: It's looking more and more like the Bengals are going to IR him. He's out at least the next two games, probably more. It's time to move on.

Chris Chambers WR SD: Chambers is inactive for the game this week with his ankle injury. Malcolm Floyd will get the looks at No. 3, but Vincent Jackson could have another big week against the Bills' banged up pass D.

Kellen Winslow TE CLE: The soldier is going to try and play after his time off, but it's unlikely he'll be in for meaningful play, especially after a great week of blocking by Steve Heiden in Week 6's win.

Selvin Young RB DEN:Michael Pittman was good enough and Ryan Torain's still a week away, but Young isn't healthy enough to affect either of them. He's fast becoming the forgotten man, though that's not exactly the same in Denver as in most places.

GAMETIME

Joey Galloway WR TB: Galloway was injured during the QB drama, so now that he's back, he knows who'll be throwing him the ball at least. Look for the Bucs to try and free him up on some deep balls if the foot proves pain-free in warmups.

Deion Branch WR SEA: All indications are that Branch will play after missing a week, though he's still feeling the heel bruise and has no timing with Seneca Wallace. The deep ball is his one saving grace this week. Mike Holmgren will make a final decision just before the game. (Remember, both Galloway and Branch play on Sunday night, forcing almost all fantasy owners to make a decision prior to warmups.)

YELLOW(Proceed with caution in your lineups)

Clinton Portis RB WAS: Portis' hip is sore enough that he'll need to give up some carries to Shaun Alexander. The problem is more that Alexander is unlikely to be effective enough to really provide relief. Look for the 'Skins to pass more, especially short.

Bernard Berrian WR MIN: Berrian is going to play, but will be limited on how many snaps he takes and how he's used. He's not going to be the deep threat he can be if the defense knows that's the only possibility.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh WR CIN: Houshmandzadeh might not be as bad off as we were led to believe. I spoke with a source just after the original Red rating came out and he insisted that the Bengals WR had no real deficits with his ankle. "Sore? Yes. Limited? No." Be aware of the injury when making your decisions, but it doesn't look like he's someone to just write off this week.

Fred Taylor RB JAX: He'll be wearing a new helmet after his second concussion. The Jags will also lean a bit more to Maurice Jones-Drew as they protect Taylor.

Justin Gage WR TEN: Listed as questionable, you'd think he'd be closer after missing three weeks. It doesn't look like he'll be able to go once again.

Justin McCareins WR TEN: The other Justin is also hurting for the Titans. He'll test the hamstring before the game, but instead of his normal WR2 role, he's in the WR3 slot behind Brandon Jones and Chris Davis if he's able to go.

Jeremy Shockey TE NO: Shockey's still a bit limited after hernia surgery, but he'll get some targets in his first game back and more as he proves himself.

James Jones WR GB: While Jones will play, his knee is bothering him enough to drop his targets. Look elsewhere.

Brandon Stokley WR DEN: Ten concussions? That's a lot and likely to keep Stokleyy out. They'll make a final decision on Sunday, but either way, he's just a fourth WR this week.

Roscoe Parrish WR BUF: It took him less time to come back than Marques Colston, which also makes him riskier.

Sidney Rice WR MIN: Rice will play this week after being "close" the last couple. Problem is, he's still limited and won't get significant targets as the WR3.

Packers DST: The whole defensive backfield is banged up and Peyton Manning's not any more. Bad combo unless the pass rush saves them.

Cowboys DST: They get Roy E. Williams back (the one they had), but with Adam Jones gone and Terrence Newman hurt, there's some coverage issues.

GREEN(Feel free to start 'em Sunday/Monday)

Marc Bulger QB STL: No one's paying any attention to Bulger's injured right index finger. I guess since it didn't affect him at all in practice, it's okay to ignore it.

Aaron Rodgers QB GB: He's going to play despite not practicing, a plan you should get used to. The shoulder is stable and he should put up his normal fantasy totals.

Darren McFadden RB OAK: The rest has worked and McFadden is back to full go. Sources tell me he's "90% or so."

Matt Forte RB CHI: The Bears are starting to give him some practices off to keep him from wearing down. He's still a start on Sunday.

Calvin Johnson WR DET: He's the clear No. 1 pass-catcher, as long as his head is clear after a concussion. He was fine on Friday so he's a likely start.

Devin Hester WR CHI: Hester's finally healthy again and has a chance to establish himself as more than a special teams superstar with Brandon Lloyd out.

Eddie Royal WR DEN: He'll slot back in to his slot with Brandon Stokley likely out. He remains a nice option for Jay Cutler despite still being a step slow.

Seneca Wallace QB SEA: With Matt Hasselbeck out again this week with back and leg problems, Wallace is healthy enough to play instead of Charlie Frye. He's at least a bit more exciting, if no more effective.

More Fantasy

We've Got Apps Too

Get expert analysis, unrivaled access, and the award-winning storytelling only SI can provide — from Peter King, Tom Verducci, Lee Jenkins, Grant Wahl, Andy Staples and more — delivered straight to you, along with up-to-the-minute news and live scores.